The First 35 Days in Rome

I have written an update on our first 21 days in Rome and upon attempting to edit it I decided it would take 21 days to read it. You will not have to endure that kind of punishment. 

We arrived, we found an apartment we are very happy with, we moved in and we are doing great. Our GEM teammates in Italy has been very supportive and loving.

We have been serving at the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, http://stpaulsrome.it/jnrc check it out at the link provided. I have been going in and helping with the serving of  breakfast daily.  Then we distribute items for hygiene, there are facilities available where they can clean up. Clothing is also distributed, this varies from day to day depending on what comes in. Most of the items come from churches in the US. After that it is just conversation and smiles. Most of the refugees are new to Rome and a friendly place with smiling faces is a blessing to them.  

Val is working with them in the Arts and language. The first day we went to the JNRC to offer our service and love we learned that just a couple of days earlier one of the two english teachers had returned to the US. And that the other was going back at the end of June. They did not have any idea where they were going to find a new teacher so in walked Val. It’s funny I can’t figure out why they didn’t ask me to teach English? God is the “Great Coordinator.”  Val will write an update in the next few days and provide more of her own insights.

We have been blessed at every turn in our ministry and God is putting us where He wants us and bringing those people into our lives that He wants us to reach. 

All of you that pray for us, know that your prayers are being answered. And those of you that support us, know that we are grateful for the opportunity you have provided for us to answer Gods call upon us. To God be the glory!!!

I want to keep this short, so thats it until the next time. I will be more diligent in my timing going forward.

Love and blessing to all. Mark